Amid efforts to alleviate the water crisis in Bengaluru, the state government is considering prolonging the enforcement of measures beyond the summer season. Many of these regulations, which were previously only on paper, are now being actively pursued.
According to sources from the Water Resources Department and the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB), rules related to drilling borewells and utilizing treated water for construction purposes, outlined in the Karnataka State Water Policy 2022 recommendations, are likely to be retained. A senior official from the Water Resources Department expressed optimism about maintaining the momentum in enforcing these rules.
Despite being relatively new, the State Water Policy of 2022 faces the challenge of implementing rules that have lingered on paper for nearly a decade. For instance, since November 2012, Bengaluru was designated by the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) as a district with over-exploited groundwater. However, rules prohibiting borewells for commercial use in these areas have been flouted for years.
Similarly, in 2019, a committee formed by the Karnataka Groundwater Authority banned the use of borewell water for construction purposes. Despite this, multiple borewells were observed at major construction sites until last month, when the city experienced a severe water crisis.
Officials emphasized the need for a shift in mindset among the public, suggesting that the current water crisis has spurred willingness for change. They believe it’s an opportune moment to instill permanent changes in water management practices.
The enforcement of these rules marks a crucial step towards addressing Bengaluru’s water woes and fostering sustainable water management practices in the city.
